Sifuna decries insecurity, says leaders and citizens are unsafe
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has issued a sharp condemnation of the country’s deteriorating security situation, warning that both elected leaders and ordinary citizens are no longer safe.
Speaking during a church function on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Sifuna, who also serves as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), expressed deep concern following the fatal shooting of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were along Ngong Road—an incident that has shocked the political class and public alike.
“Nairobi and the entire country has become so unsafe that an MP can be shot on Ngong Road, not in some bushes but in an open area with security cameras and everything,” Sifuna said.
The senator criticised what he called a culture of impunity and questioned how such a brazen act could occur in a well-monitored area without swift accountability.
“How is it possible that someone can shoot a person there, get back on a motorcycle and leave without anyone claiming to have seen them?” he questioned.
He stated that the failure to apprehend suspects or provide immediate answers indicates a breakdown in law enforcement and security systems.
Security concerns
Referring to recent killings in Narok County, where six people died due to land conflicts, Sifuna accused national leaders of turning a blind eye to long-standing injustices until they personally feel affected.
He singled out Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, saying it was only now, after the threat reached political elites, that pressure was mounting on the Inspector General of Police.
“In Transmara the other day, six people were killed because of land disputes. We know who’s grabbing land, don’t we?” he questioned.
“Instead of addressing the issue of land grabbing, I see Rift Valley leaders, like Senator Aaron Cheruyiot, who has now woken up and is reading the riot act to the Inspector General of Police because now insecurity has reached them,” he stated.
The senator emphasised that the problem affects everyone regardless of social status.
“We are saying, if no one is safe—if even a Member of Parliament isn’t safe—then none of us is safe. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an MP, a teacher, a priest… We must have a country where every life is protected,” he insisted.
Referencing Were’s death, Sifuna called on the government to urgently address the spike in insecurity and called for a return to leadership rooted in empathy and service to the people.
“I am telling you this thing can happen to anyone, any of us, because we are not safe in this country, and the government must do what it needs to do to make sure that we are all safe,” he warned.
Growing public disdain
In a rare moment of introspection, Sifuna acknowledged that legislators have damaged their relationship with Kenyans, making a candid admission about the public’s growing resentment toward political leaders.
“We know we have ruined our relationship with citizens. The people don’t like us. That’s the truth because of our own manners,” Sifuna stated.
“Our behaviour has made citizens view us as enemies.”
He shared his concern over social media comments following the death of Were, including some suggesting that the assailant should continue targeting more legislators.
“I saw someone commenting that the person shouldn’t get off that motorcycle but should continue killing people. There are several MPs who must still be targeted,” he recounted from the comments.
Sifuna criticised the lack of empathy among some political leaders, referring to Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi, who said, “People die every day. It’s normal; we will move on.”
According to Sifuna, such statements worsen the already strained relationship between leaders and citizens.
“Those are the people giving the National Assembly and the Senate a bad name and making the relationship between the public and leaders very bad,” he said.
